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AVMA Scientific Activities Division

Dr. DeHaven Address--A Safe Food Supply

Most people understand that veterinarians play an important role in keeping pets healthy but forget that veterinarians also play a key role in keeping our food safe. Today there is a shortage of veterinarians working on farms and in the federal government, and this threatens the safety of our nation's food supply. Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains what the AVMA is doing in Washington, DC to help. Dr. DeHaven will be speaking regularly to the public on important issues—such as food safety, animal welfare and disease control—to keep the public informed on what the AVMA is doing to help them and their animals. This is the first installment of these regular postings on AVMA-TV.

Dr. DeHaven Food Supply

Dr. Larry Kornegay, new AVMA president, speech before the AVMA House of Delegates

Dr. Larry Kornegay, new president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, spoke before the AVMA House of Delegates during the AVMA's 147th Annual Convention on July 30, 2010. Dr. Kornegay outlined his platform and plans for the upcoming year, which included unity of the profession, diversity, and also the AVMA's lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Ron DeHaven discusses the AVMA lobbying arm

The AVMA works through its Governmental Relations Division (GRD) in Washington, D.C., to impact legislation that comes out of Capitol Hill, which benefits AVMA members, veterinarians, and the general public. The AVMA-GRD has a staff of veterinarians who are experts on more than just veterinary medicine but also in politics. The efforts of the GRD also includes the work of the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network, which is a grassroots organization. Visit http://avmacan.avma.org and learn how you can get involved.

Dr. Ron DeHaven on Animal Welfare

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) modified its stance on ear cropping and tail docking in dogs for cosmetic purposes. Dr. Ron Dehaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA, explains that this is only one example of the careful attention that the AVMA pays to animal welfare issues. Dr. DeHaven explains how the AVMA is constantly considering animal welfare issues to better serve the public good.

Dr. Ron DeHaven on H1N1 (Swine Flu)

An outbreak of a new flu, known as H1N1, has drawn a great deal of attention in the media. Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains H1N1, and how it will affects people, their pets, and the food they eat.

Dr. Ron DeHaven speaks about Seattle fish mongers

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, speaks about the AVMA’s decision to feature fish mongers from the Pike Place Market in Seattle at the 146th Annual AVMA Convention, which is being held in Seattle in July. The Seattle fish throwers are a cultural icon in the Emerald City, and featuring them at the AVMA opening ceremonies honor’s the city’s traditions and the importance of salmon to the local diet and economy.

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, discusses antimicrobials and “super bugs”

Dr. Ron DeHaven, Chief Executive Officer of the AVMA, responds to advertisements and blogs that claim the use of antimicrobials in livestock is helping create drug-resistant “super bugs,” diseases that don’t respond to antibiotics or other drugs, in humans. Dr. DeHaven explains that while the AVMA is worried about drug-resistant pathogens in humans there is evidence that antimicrobials in livestock play only an exceedingly small part in creating them.

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, discusses H1N1 (swine flu)

Dr. Ron DeHaven, Chief Executive Officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, discusses what’s known about H1N1 influenza. The virus has been found in livestock pigs, and thousands of people around the world have been sickened. (May 18, 2009)

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, explains the Animal Welfare Symposium

The International Symposium on Animal Welfare in Veterinary Medical Education – cosponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges – will give veterinary and animal welfare experts from around the world an opportunity to meet and discuss animal welfare, an important and sometimes controversial issue. Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO of the AVMA, explains the importance of this first-of-its kind symposium, Nov. 9-11. Ultimately, it’s about giving animals the highest possible quality-of-life.

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, on NAIS

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently testified before Congress about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, on New Hen Housing Study

Dr. Ron DeHaven, Chief Executive Officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, announces that the AVMA is a coalition partner with McDonald’s to help study housing techniques for egg-producing hens. The goal of the study is to understand the viability of alternate housing systems, including cage-free and “enriched housing,” which includes nests and perches, as well as the housing environments used by McDonald’s current supply system in the U.S.

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Listen Up, Legislators: The Keys to Success

Anyone interested in getting involved in grass roots politics can learn more about how Washington, D.C., works from this American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) webinar. The webinar introduces viewers to the very basics of what advocacy is and how to get things done on Capitol Hill. The information includes: how to find out who your legislators are; the four keys to effective communication with elected officials, including knowing what you want, who to ask, how to ask and how to follow-up; the factors that influence elected officials; and the top ten things elected officials and staff hate to hear. Listen to this webinar and follow along with a slideshow of images available at http://www.avma.org/advocacy/advocacy-webinar.asp.